CA2792323A1 - High volume frac water heating system - Google Patents

High volume frac water heating system Download PDF

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Publication number
CA2792323A1
CA2792323A1 CA2792323A CA2792323A CA2792323A1 CA 2792323 A1 CA2792323 A1 CA 2792323A1 CA 2792323 A CA2792323 A CA 2792323A CA 2792323 A CA2792323 A CA 2792323A CA 2792323 A1 CA2792323 A1 CA 2792323A1
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CA
Canada
Prior art keywords
water
heating
pipes
flow
heating box
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Abandoned
Application number
CA2792323A
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French (fr)
Inventor
David J Elliot
Gentian Toska
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Flo Dynamics Systems Inc
Original Assignee
Flo Dynamics Systems Inc
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Flo Dynamics Systems Inc filed Critical Flo Dynamics Systems Inc
Priority to CA2792323A priority Critical patent/CA2792323A1/en
Publication of CA2792323A1 publication Critical patent/CA2792323A1/en
Abandoned legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • FMECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F28HEAT EXCHANGE IN GENERAL
    • F28DHEAT-EXCHANGE APPARATUS, NOT PROVIDED FOR IN ANOTHER SUBCLASS, IN WHICH THE HEAT-EXCHANGE MEDIA DO NOT COME INTO DIRECT CONTACT
    • F28D7/00Heat-exchange apparatus having stationary tubular conduit assemblies for both heat-exchange media, the media being in contact with different sides of a conduit wall
    • F28D7/08Heat-exchange apparatus having stationary tubular conduit assemblies for both heat-exchange media, the media being in contact with different sides of a conduit wall the conduits being otherwise bent, e.g. in a serpentine or zig-zag
    • F28D7/082Heat-exchange apparatus having stationary tubular conduit assemblies for both heat-exchange media, the media being in contact with different sides of a conduit wall the conduits being otherwise bent, e.g. in a serpentine or zig-zag with serpentine or zig-zag configuration
    • F28D7/085Heat-exchange apparatus having stationary tubular conduit assemblies for both heat-exchange media, the media being in contact with different sides of a conduit wall the conduits being otherwise bent, e.g. in a serpentine or zig-zag with serpentine or zig-zag configuration in the form of parallel conduits coupled by bent portions
    • F28D7/087Heat-exchange apparatus having stationary tubular conduit assemblies for both heat-exchange media, the media being in contact with different sides of a conduit wall the conduits being otherwise bent, e.g. in a serpentine or zig-zag with serpentine or zig-zag configuration in the form of parallel conduits coupled by bent portions assembled in arrays, each array being arranged in the same plane
    • FMECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24HFLUID HEATERS, e.g. WATER OR AIR HEATERS, HAVING HEAT-GENERATING MEANS, e.g. HEAT PUMPS, IN GENERAL
    • F24H1/00Water heaters, e.g. boilers, continuous-flow heaters or water-storage heaters
    • F24H1/10Continuous-flow heaters, i.e. heaters in which heat is generated only while the water is flowing, e.g. with direct contact of the water with the heating medium
    • F24H1/12Continuous-flow heaters, i.e. heaters in which heat is generated only while the water is flowing, e.g. with direct contact of the water with the heating medium in which the water is kept separate from the heating medium
    • F24H1/14Continuous-flow heaters, i.e. heaters in which heat is generated only while the water is flowing, e.g. with direct contact of the water with the heating medium in which the water is kept separate from the heating medium by tubes, e.g. bent in serpentine form
    • F24H1/145Continuous-flow heaters, i.e. heaters in which heat is generated only while the water is flowing, e.g. with direct contact of the water with the heating medium in which the water is kept separate from the heating medium by tubes, e.g. bent in serpentine form using fluid fuel

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Thermal Sciences (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
  • Steam Or Hot-Water Central Heating Systems (AREA)

Abstract

A heating system is provided, including: a transportable platform, supporting a first heating box and a second heating box on opposing ends of the platform; each of the heating boxes having an input for receiving a flow of water from a water source; each of the heating boxes including a burner for generating heat for heating water passing therethrough;
each of the heating boxes having an output for expelling heated water from the heating box; and wherein the heating system is configurable from a first configuration wherein the output from the first heating box is piped to the input of the second heating box and a second configuration wherein each of the heating boxes receives a flow of water from the water source to the input of the heating box.

Description

High Volume Frac Water Heating System Field of the Invention [0001] This invention relates to the use of water in shale gas wells, and more particularly to the high volume heating of frac water for use in such wells.
Background
[0002] In shale gas wells, water is used to carry a propping agent, such as sand, under pressure, into a wellbore. The pressure causes the rock to 'fracture', and thereby release the trapped gas.
These fractures are held open by the propping agent. The water for this purpose is stored in lined open top tanks and is extracted from the tank at high volumes, in some cases, exceeding 18m3/min.
[0003] Winter poses challenges to these operations, as the freezing point of water is 0 C. The minimum temperature of the water needs to be approximately 4-8 C to mix with the chemical friction reducers, and higher temperatures, up to 15 C may be required if the water is to be cross linked with gel. Therefore, the water needs to be heated to allow winter operations to occur and to pump water that is not frozen.
[0004] Prior art frac water heaters are based on designs built for use in oil reservoir stimulation, where high water temperatures are required in order to stimulate oil flow.
These prior art heaters cycle low volumes of water and heat that water to large temperature differentials. This is inefficient for shale gas, as extreme high temperatures are not necessary and the water turnover rate is slower than it need be.
[0005] The prior art heaters for use with gas shale wells employ a single 2.5"
or 3" diameter pipe coil that flows water inside a firebox using a single pass through coil. A
burner is situated below the coil, and heats the water flowing through the coil. The burner operates on a fuel gas source, such as natural gas, propane, or diesel, and typically outputs of 8-16,000,000 BTUs, up to 35,000,000 BTUs.
[0006] A 3" or smaller pipe is restrictive, and the pressure of the water passing through the coil is high. This causes the water to be exposed to the heat from the burner for a relatively long period of time and for the typical temperature differential between the water entering and exiting the firebox to reach about 60 C. Due to the restrictive size of the pipe, only low volumes of water exit the firebox..
[0007] A 60 C temperature differential as found in the prior art is much higher than required.
Frac water for natural gas shale stimulation only needs to be 4-15 C. In addition, with the use of large storage volumes (3000 m3 or more) of water, it is more efficient to cycle increased volumes of water and to heat the water to a lower temperature differential than it is to heat a smaller amount of water to a higher temperature.
Summary of the Invention
[0008] The system according to the invention offers a number of improvements with respect to the prior art. In particular the coil pipes 130 within the heating box should have a minimum 4"
diameter. This reduces pumping pressure, and increases the water volume cycled through the heater. The four or more coils within each heating box are each configured to allow a pass of water above the burner, providing a lower temperature rise, a high water flow and a low pressure fall compared to prior art systems used. Furthermore, each heating platform has two heating boxes mounted on a skid (or truck or trailer). This increases flexibility of the system by allowing the burners to be linked in series (which increases the temperature differential), or in parallel (which cycles double (or more) of the volume of water passing through).
[0009] A heating system is provided, including: a transportable platform, supporting a first heating box and a second heating box on opposing ends of the platform; each of the heating boxes having an input for receiving a flow of water from a water source; each of the heating boxes including a burner for generating heat for heating water passing therethrough; each of the heating boxes having an output for expelling heated water from the heating box; and wherein the heating system is configurable from a first configuration wherein the output from the first heating box is piped to the input of the second heating box and a second configuration wherein each of the heating boxes receives a flow of water from the water source to the input of the heating box.
[0010] The heating boxes divide the flow of water from the input into a plurality of flow lines, in fluid communication with an output manifold. Each of the flow lines includes a plurality of pipes configured in a plurality of rows and columns such that the water flow passes through each row of pipes before passing to a row of pipes beneath. Each row of pipes includes a plurality of pipes, including a first pipe for receiving the water flow at a first end of the first pipe, a second pipe having a first end, the first end of the second pipe connected to a second end of the first pipe and a third pipe having a first end connected to a second end of said second pipe and a pipe streaming the water downward.
[0011] A heating box on a transportable platform is provide, including: an input for receiving a flow of water from a water source; a burner for generating heat for heating water passing therethrough; an output for expelling heated water from the heating box; at least two coils for allowing water passage from the input to the output, the coils each having a plurality of pipes arrayed in a series of rows and columns, the pipes configured to allow water passage through each of said pipes in a row before the water flow proceeds downwardly to a row below; wherein each of the rows includes a plurality of pipes in an approximately parallel arrangement.
[0012] The heating box may have four coils, and each of the coils may output water to an output manifold.
Description of the Figures
[0013] Figure 1 shows a top view of the heating system according to the invention;
[0014] Figure 2 shows a side view thereof;
[0015] Figure 3 is an opposite side view thereof;
[0016] Figures 4 and 4a are perspective views of an embodiment of a coil configuration within a heating box according to the invention with and without a frame;
[0017] Figure 5 is a side view thereof;
[0018] Figure 6 is a top view thereof; and
[0019] Figure 7 is a rear view thereof.
Description of the Invention
[0020] As shown in Figures 1 through 3, heating system 1 includes first and second heating boxes 10a and 10b positioned at opposite ends 30, 40 of platform 50. Platform 50 may be a sled or truck bed, and is sized to be easily transportable to a well location. Each heating box 10a, 10b, includes a respective input 20a, 20b and output 25a, 25b.
[0021] Inputs 20 are positioned near the top portion of heating box 10 and outputs 25 are positioned below the inputs 20 and may be positioned just above burner assembly 60, which includes a burner to generate heat. Input 20a of heating box 10a is positioned above and may be aligned with output 25b of heating box 10b. Likewise input 20b of heating box 10b is positioned above and may be aligned with output 25a of heating box 10a.
[0022] Outside boxes 10 may be flow meters 80 to measure and display the water flow level, and flow regulator 90, which includes a valve for controlling the water flow level. Fuel for burners 10, are provided via fuel gas supply 95, which is configured to provide fuel to both heating box 10a and heating box 10b.
[0023] As shown in Figures 4 through 7, each heating box 10 holds an input manifold 100 which receives water flow through input 25. The arrows generally indicate the direction of water flow.
Input manifold 100 receives the water flow in a single pipe 110 and releases it via water flow entry inputs 105 into four independent substantially parallel coils, or water flow lines, 120a, 120b, 120c, and 120d running from the top of the heating box to the output manifold below 170.
Each water flow line 120 includes a plurality of general horizontal pipes 130 extending along the width of box 10 generally arranged to be either adjacent to, or at a slightly different vertical level of the adjacent pipes 130. As shown in Figure 5, the horizontal pipes 130 of each coil 120 are arrayed in rows 140 of three parallel pipes with a connecting pipe 150 at the end of each pipe to connect the water flow to an end of end adjacent pipe thereby connecting the opposite ends of each alternating pair of horizontal pipes. One pipe 130a in each row is configured to receive water from the row above (except the topmost row 140 which receives water flow from inputs 105), and the non adjacent pipe 130c to pipe 130a in that row 140 is configured to output water to the next lower row via downward connecting pipe 160 (except for the bottom row, which outputs to the outlet manifold 170).
[0024] Manifold 100 decreases in diameter along the direction of water flow to maintain the speed of the water flow, as water exits to enter the coils 120. Likewise, outlet manifold 170 increases in diameter along the direction of water flow to maintain the water flow speed as water is added to the flow. As shown in Figure 4, all four coils 120 may be supported within heating box 10 by frames 210 and 215.
[0025] As shown in the figures, water from manifold 100 is directed to the plurality of coils 120.
Four coils 120a, 120b, 120c, and 120d are shown in the figures, different numbers of coils (from two or more) may be used, and the greater the number of coils, the lower the friction losses incurred. The use of multiple coils 120 allows for more contact time with the heat from the burning assembly 60, and the number and length of the horizontal pipes 130 in each coil 120 may be dependent on the amount of heat the water needs to receive and power of the burning assembly 60. The figures show three horizontal pipes 130 in each row 140 of each coil, but more or less pipes 130 may be present.
[0026] The row 140 is configured to allow water entering the first input pipe 130a of the row of three pipes to pass through all three pipes before descending via a downward connecting pipe 160 to the next lower row 140 of pipes 130.
[0027] The water flow, at reaching the end of each flow line 120 at the lowest row of horizontal pipes 130 enters an outlet manifold 170, wherein the water exits heating box 10 as a single line via output 25. Each horizontal pipe 130, connecting pipe 150 and downward connecting pipe 160 is at least four (4) inches in diameter. This reduces pumping pressure, increases the water volume cycled, and decreases fluid velocity, which allows for more retention time within the heater box for heat transfer.
[0028] Burning assembly 60 is positioned below water flow lines 120 and heat the water passing through therein. Burners in burning assembly 60 may be heated by natural gas, diesel or propane. Each heating box 10, 20 has a control panel (not shown) for controlling high temperature shutdown, low flow shutdown (both of which protect the pipes from overheating), and an ignition/starter, and gauges for monitoring fuel pressure, water pressure and flow rates.
[0029] The output 25a, from one of the heating boxes 10a can be connected to the input 20b, of the other heating box 10b, allowing boxes 10a, 10b to be linked in series.
This provides for a means to heat the frac water to a higher differential, and may be useful in very cold environments or in case a gel frac is being employed, and the water temperature is required to be higher.
[0030] Alternatively, boxes 10a, 10b may have their respective inputs 20a, 20b receiving different water flows and outputting to separate or the same storage tanks.
[0031] Water entering box 10 may get pumped from a storage tank, pass through the heater, and back into the tank. Alternatively the water may be output to a borrow pit (aka a `dugout'), or be output to frac tanks. For example, water entering box 10 may be from a cold water source such as a river or lake passing, and after passing through box 10 may be output to a storage tank.
[0032] The above-described embodiments have been provided as examples, for clarity in understanding the invention. A person with skill in the art will recognize that alterations, modifications and variations may be effected to the embodiments described above while remaining within the scope of the invention as defined by claims appended hereto.

Claims (7)

1. A heating system, comprising:
a. a transportable platform, supporting a first heating box and a second heating box on opposing ends of said platform;
b. each of said heating boxes having an input for receiving a flow of water from a water source;
c. each of said heating boxes including a burner for generating heat for heating water passing therethrough;
d. each of said heating boxes having an output for expelling heated water from said heating box; and e. wherein said heating system is configurable from a first configuration wherein the output from said first heating box is piped to the input of said second heating box and a second configuration wherein each of said heating boxes receives a flow of water from the water source to the input of the heating box.
2. The heating system of claim 1 wherein each of said heating boxes divides said flow of water from said input into a plurality of flow lines, in fluid communication with an output manifold.
3. The heating system of claim 2 wherein each of said flow lines comprises a plurality of pipes, said pipes configured in a plurality of rows and columns such that said water flow passes through each row of pipes before passing to a row pipes beneath.
4. The heating system of claim 3 wherein each row of pipes comprises a plurality of pipes, including a first pipe for receiving said water flow at a first end of said first pipe, a second pipe having a first end connected to a second end of said first pipe and a third pipe having a first end connected to a second end of said second pipe and a pipe streaming said water downward.
. A heating box on a transportable platform, comprising:
a. an input for receiving a flow of water from a water source;
b. a burner for generating heat for heating water passing therethrough;
c. an output for expelling heated water from said heating box;
d. at least two substantially parallel coils for allowing water passage from said input to said output, said coils each comprising a plurality of pipes arrayed in a series of rows and columns, said pipes configured to allow water passage through each of said pipes in a row before said water flow proceeding downwardly to a row below; and e. wherein each of said rows comprises a plurality of pipes in an approximately parallel arrangement.
6. The heating box of claim 5 wherein four coils are present.
7. The heating box of claim 6 wherein each of said coils outputs water to an output manifold.
CA2792323A 2012-10-05 2012-10-05 High volume frac water heating system Abandoned CA2792323A1 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
CA2792323A CA2792323A1 (en) 2012-10-05 2012-10-05 High volume frac water heating system

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Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
CA2792323A CA2792323A1 (en) 2012-10-05 2012-10-05 High volume frac water heating system

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CA2792323A1 true CA2792323A1 (en) 2014-04-05

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Cited By (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20160053581A1 (en) * 2014-08-19 2016-02-25 Adler Hot Oil Service, LLC Wellhead Gas Separator System
US9328591B2 (en) 2012-08-23 2016-05-03 Enservco Corporation Air release assembly for use with providing heated water for well related activities
US9683428B2 (en) 2012-04-13 2017-06-20 Enservco Corporation System and method for providing heated water for well related activities
US10323200B2 (en) 2016-04-12 2019-06-18 Enservco Corporation System and method for providing separation of natural gas from oil and gas well fluids
CN110067548A (en) * 2019-06-10 2019-07-30 河南理工大学 A kind of underground coal mine high temperature hydraulic fracturing anti-reflection method and its system
US10767859B2 (en) 2014-08-19 2020-09-08 Adler Hot Oil Service, LLC Wellhead gas heater
CN113107454A (en) * 2021-05-12 2021-07-13 刘常青 Reservoir transformation method and application of normal-pressure shale gas horizontal well

Cited By (11)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US9683428B2 (en) 2012-04-13 2017-06-20 Enservco Corporation System and method for providing heated water for well related activities
US9328591B2 (en) 2012-08-23 2016-05-03 Enservco Corporation Air release assembly for use with providing heated water for well related activities
US20160053581A1 (en) * 2014-08-19 2016-02-25 Adler Hot Oil Service, LLC Wellhead Gas Separator System
US9938808B2 (en) 2014-08-19 2018-04-10 Adler Hot Oil Service, LLC Wellhead gas separator system
US9995122B2 (en) 2014-08-19 2018-06-12 Adler Hot Oil Service, LLC Dual fuel burner
US10138711B2 (en) 2014-08-19 2018-11-27 Adler Hot Oil Service, LLC Wellhead gas heater
US10767859B2 (en) 2014-08-19 2020-09-08 Adler Hot Oil Service, LLC Wellhead gas heater
US10323200B2 (en) 2016-04-12 2019-06-18 Enservco Corporation System and method for providing separation of natural gas from oil and gas well fluids
CN110067548A (en) * 2019-06-10 2019-07-30 河南理工大学 A kind of underground coal mine high temperature hydraulic fracturing anti-reflection method and its system
CN113107454A (en) * 2021-05-12 2021-07-13 刘常青 Reservoir transformation method and application of normal-pressure shale gas horizontal well
CN113107454B (en) * 2021-05-12 2022-05-03 刘常青 Reservoir transformation method and application of normal-pressure shale gas horizontal well

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Effective date: 20171005